News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 11, 2014) - BMO Financial Group and the Canadian Hockey League held a search throughout local CHL hockey arenas across the country to find the nation's most spirited fans in the WHL, OHL and QMJHL. Today, BMO is pleased to announce the winners:

• Alison Giesinger, Regina, Regina Pats, WHL
• Ken Gordon, St. Catharines, Niagara Ice Dogs, OHL
• Christopher Fisher, Gatineau, Gatineau Olympiques, QMHJL

Each winner will enjoy a grand prize of a trip for two to the 2014 MasterCard Memorial Cup in London, Ontario from May 23-25, 2014.

"The enthusiasm of the new Ultimate CHL Fans for their teams is unrivalled and perfectly embodies the community spirit that we foster through BMO Ultimate CHL Fan Appreciation Nights," said Justine Fedak, Senior Vice President, Brand Advertising and Sponsorships, BMO Financial Group. "BMO is proud to celebrate CHL hockey fans - we hope the winners enjoy the 2014 MasterCard Memorial Cup!"

From October 13 to December 6, 2013, BMO Financial Group and the Canadian Hockey League invited fans across the country to compete to be named the BMO Ultimate CHL Fan for their local team by showing support through team colours, jerseys and costumes at BMO Ultimate CHL Fan Appreciation Nights. Winners were selected based on their originality, enthusiasm and creativity. Forty-two BMO Ultimate CHL Fans were crowned in their respective communities, from which three Ultimate CHL Fans were selected for each of the respective leagues - the WHL, OHL and QMJHL.

"The Canadian Hockey League, would like to congratulate the three lucky winners who were among the hundreds of passionate fans who showed support for their favourite CHL teams at BMO Ultimate CHL Fan Appreciation Nights this season," said David Branch, CHL President. "Alison, Ken and Christopher represent fans from across the country with the passion that we love to encourage; their spirit is a testament to how important the CHL is to local communities throughout Canada."

BMO and the Canadian Hockey League

BMO Financial Group and the Canadian Hockey League announced BMO as the Official Bank of the Canadian Hockey League in 2011. The four-year agreement also designates BMO as the Official Bank of each of the CHL's member hockey leagues: the Ontario Hockey League, the Western Hockey League, and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

The sponsorship builds on BMO's partnership with the CHL of more than 10 years and affirms BMO's exclusivity as a financial services sponsor of the league in the retail banking category. It also engrains a presence with the 48 teams which currently participate in the BMO CHL Affinity MasterCard program, which enables CHL fans to support their favourite teams through a co-branded credit card.

About BMO Financial Group

For more than 195 years, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. In 2013, BMO Financial Group allocated $56 million to registered charities, not-for-profit and community-based organizations and institutions in Canada and the United States.

About the Canadian Hockey League

The Canadian Hockey League is the world's largest development hockey league with 52 Canadian and eight American teams participating in the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Western Hockey League. CHL players graduate from high school at a rate higher than the Canadian national average. Last season, more than nine million fans attended CHL games in the regular season, playoffs and at the MasterCard Memorial Cup. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League than any other league.

Twitter: @BMOCHL #BMOUltimateFan